19th Century Signed French Gothic Revival Cathedral Church Reliquary - a Pair

Details

Description

A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s

Most impressive objets d’art, born … Read more A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s

Most impressive objets d’art, born in France in the second half of the 19th century, most likely Parisian gilded bronze and brass ormolu work, exceptionally executed sculptural form, the exquisitely detailed architectural cathedral shaped case having a removable pointed steeple roof with cross finial, opening to relic display case surrounded on all sides by original glazed glass panes, stepped base, rising on disc feet. Signed, stamped by maker / bronzier "BC" (unknown) model "5096" and other faint marks to lid interiors.

Additional photos available upon request

Dimensions: (approx)
14.75" High, 6.75" Wide, 6.75" Deep; 13.25 lbs total

History:
A reliquary (also referred to as a shrine, by the French term châsse or monstrance) is a container for important religious relics.

The earliest reliquaries were essentially boxes, either simply box-shaped or based on an architectural design, taking the form of a model of a church with a pitched roof. These latter are known by the French term chasse, and typical examples from the 12th to 14th century have wooden frameworks with gilt-copper plaques nailed on, decorated in champlevé enamel. Limoges was the largest production centre; NB the English usage differs from that of the French châsse, which denotes large size rather than shape.

Relics of the True Cross became very popular from the 9th century onward and were housed in magnificent gold and silver cross-shaped reliquaries decorated with enamels and precious stones. From about the end of the 10th century, reliquaries in the shape of the relics they housed also became popular; hence, for instance, the skull of Pope Alexander I was housed in a head-shaped reliquary. Similarly, the bones of saints were often housed in reliquaries that recalled the shape of the original body part, such as an arm or a foot.

A philatory is a transparent reliquary designed to contain and exhibit the bones and relics of saints. This style of reliquary has a viewing portal to view the relic inside. The feretrum was a medieval form of reliquary or shrine containing the sacred effigies and relics of a saint.

During the later Middle Ages, the monstrance form, primarily used for consecrated hosts, was sometimes used for reliquaries. These housed the relic in a rock crystal, or glass capsule mounted on a column above a base, enabling the relic to be displayed to the faithful. Reliquaries in the form of large pieces of metalwork jewellery also appeared around this time, housing tiny relics such as pieces of the Holy Thorn, notably the Holy Thorn Reliquary now in the British Museum.

Condition:
Superb museum quality examples, in excellent original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Heavily patinated - scattered oxidation. Overall wonderful examples.

Typically reliquaries were not sold in pairs, so to find a matching pair such as this is exceptionally rare.

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Local pickup available near Dallas, Texas

Additional:
We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques love religious antiques, from Christian tabernacles, Catholic altarpiece, life-size Buddhist temple sculptures, Hindu votive offerings, 16th century Islamic mosque architectural salvaged windows, we have a large selection to choose from. Also including Spanish Colonial santo figure carvings, primitive Mexican folk art, hand-painted retablo, reredos, icons, liturgical cabinets, monastery tables, religious home decor, and more. Be sure to checkout our other listings. See less